After Varadkar now Donaldson and the question is - will Starmer be next? Using false (or true) allegations to destroy your opponent - as predicted by me on here in 2000 - is now the Weapon of Choice.

Even when false this kind of accusation sticks.

On both sides of the Irish border, everyone's surprised and suspicious. Have the allegations a political dimension? After all, Donaldson is leader of the biggest Unionist party in NI - and is, arguably, the biggest stumbling block to a united Ireland.

Similar, in a sense, to a Premier League team arranging for their main opponent's centre forward to get a damaged foot. Donaldson (and his wife) will rigorously defend the allegations - some details of which are being slowly leaked.